Foreign enemies including Russia and China are targeting government workers who have been dismissed in the midst of Trump’s administrative efforts to save money to recruit as spits, according to new intelligence.
“New intelligence shows agents from China, Russia, and other countries have directed their views on new trial workers fired, or those who have security permits, hope to get valuable information about US critical infrastructure or national security interests,” according to the intelligence distributed by US coast guards to their workforce.
“Foreign intelligence officers are actively looking for LinkedIn, Tiktok, Reddit, and Chinese social media sites Xiaauhu – known as Rednote – for potential sources,” he added. “In at least one example, foreign agents are ordered to create a company profile on LinkedIn, post a list of work, and actively track federal employees who indicate that they are ‘open to work.'”
Coast Guard did not develop intelligence but rather distributed it as a warning to coast guard officials around the world.
In February 14, 2025, photo files, demonstrators support federal workers outside the Ministry of Health and Humanitarian Services, in Washington, DC
Mark Schiefelbein/AP, File
“Posting about your frustration, the status of an employee who has just been fired, or other opsec sensitive information can make you a target,” said the notification. “Our enemies have succeeded in preying on government workers who are annoyed and dissatisfied during past leave.”
Military members can be an interesting target, according to intelligence, because of information they might access.
The notification came when two active task soldiers were recently charged with a conspiracy to sell secret material to China.
The coast guard says the signs of foreign agents who are trying to recruit former government officials are something that is too good to come true, noting that it is possible.
“Your contact may be too praising or focusing on your skills/experience, especially if your government affiliation is known,” he said in the notification, adding that the feeling for urgency might also be an indicator.